Ultrasonic Guided Wave Based Intelligent Structural Health Monitoring of Pressure Vessels

Abstract

Pressure vessels are critical components in industries such as hydrogen energy, cryogenics, and oil and gas, where they are subjected to harsh environmental and operational conditions. Corrosion remains a predominant challenge, gradually degrading structural integrity and increasing the risk of catastrophic failures. Conventional inspection techniques, such as visual assessments and periodic ultrasonic testing, often lack real-time monitoring capabilities, leading to delayed damage detection and unplanned maintenance. To address these limitations, this study explores the application of ultrasonic guided waves for autonomous structural health monitoring of pressure vessels. The research systematically examines the propagation characteristics of guided waves in stainless steel pressure vessels, focusing on their interaction with corrosion-induced defects. Through controlled experimental investigations, mode-specific amplitude variations are analyzed to establish their sensitivity to localized damage. Additionally, the study evaluates how internal pressure fluctuations influence guided wave behavior, providing insights into the dynamic response of the vessel structure under operational loads. By integrating guided wave analysis with an autonomous monitoring framework, the proposed approach enhances the early detection of corrosion damage, enabling predictive maintenance strategies. The findings contribute to the development of intelligent condition-based monitoring systems capable of real-time structural assessment, improving the safety, efficiency, and longevity of pressure vessels in demanding industrial environments.